As newsletter subscribers and my followers on Twitter know, I’ve been working on a Howie prequel story to go along with the Jazz and Connie stories. It’s finished and it’s ready for you. And this time, I’m trying something a little different.

When I first created Howie, I didn’t know much about hemophilia. In the five years I’ve been writing him, I’ve been fortunate enough to hear from people in the hemophilia community, who tell me how much Howie means to them.

And, of course, people in the broader readership seem to love him, too! Which is great.

For Howie’s prequel — “Blood Boy” — I wanted to give something back to the community that inspired him.

So, here’s the deal with the story: The story is available for sale in all the usual e-places, and I’m hoping maybe you’ll consider buying a copy. I’m charging more than I do for the other stories, but that’s because I’m donating every last penny I make on the story this year to charity.

When you buy “Blood Boy,” you’ll get a funny, touching Howie story, yes. But you’ll also be helping me to help the Hemophilia Association of New York (HANY) and the Adam Lynch Award.

HANY has been around since 1952 and provides information, education, advocacy, and direct assistance to persons with hemophilia and related congenital blood clotting disorders. The organization encourages and supports scientific research to improve medical treatments and to seek cures. It serves all five boroughs in New York City, as well as surrounding counties.

The Adam Lynch Award is a new initiative from HANY, in honor of Adam Lynch, a young man with a bleeding disorder who succumbed to a traumatic bleed while attending college. The Fund will provide scholarships for college-bound students with hemophilia interested in pursuing secondary studies in the Arts and/or Media.

How perfect is that? What an excellent match!

“The Hemophilia Association of New York is so excited to be part of Barry’s project,” says executive director Linda Mugford. “This year it is so apropos because we are looking into ways to connect with adolescents with bleeding disorders.”

“People with hemophilia must be creative in how they navigate their pursuit of a fulfilling and sustainable career path,” says Patrick James Lynch, Adam’s brother (and a hemophiliac). “Adam knew this, I know this, and HANY knows this. I’m thrilled that his name is attached to a scholarship program specifically for community members who want to make utilizing their creativity a prominent part of their future.”

So, please buy “Blood Boy” and spread the word. I won’t make a dime off of it, you’ll get a fun glimpse into Howie’s life pre-I Hunt Killers, and the Adam Lynch Award will help some folks like Howie get a little closer to their dreams.

Here’s where you can buy “Blood Boy,” if you’d like to help: